Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Thirty: Radiant

Once Frida deemed me ready, she and Lydia spread the skirt of my dress back out. I spent the next half hour learning how to walk in the dress, and during those minutes, neither of my maids would let me see myself.

"Are you two finally going to let me see myself in the mirror?" I asked, almost to the begging point. It was a nagging feeling, not knowing what I looked like when their work had finally come together.

Lydia went to the covered mirror and pulled the sheet off. I walked up to the mirror with my head down and took a deep breath before looking up.

The court and nobility of Ûru'Baen gathered in small groups in the magnificent ballroom of their King. Small talk and gossip filled the air as uniformed butlers paraded drinks and small bites around the large room.

The court ladies, dressed in their rich and luxurious gowns twittered together, gossiping about the handsome men and the Dragon Rider that their King had acquired.

"I heard that he's as strong as one hundred soldiers!" A woman gossiped to her friend.

"No! He's as strong as a thousand!" Another cried as the daughter of the King's right-hand servant rolled her eyes.

"Be realistic, ladies." Yilba Stronsdaughter drawled out, disgusted by their open adoration. "I'm sure the man is strong, and his muscles gleam underneath his tunic, but strong as a thousand men? Please."

The two gossiping women glowered at Yilba before twittering away in haste. Yilba curled a lip as she watched the two hussies retreat.

"Can you believe those two?" One of Yilba's posse hissed out.

"How uncouth,"

"The nerve,"

"Ladies!" Yilba said, raising a hand sharply. "Calm yourselves, do not stoop to a level such as theirs!"

"Always so astute,"

"Wise as ever!"

A venomous smile crossed Yilba's face as the comments came rushing from her followers. It was Yilba that was above the others, so they should rightfully always listen to her.

"Yilba, looking beautiful as always." Yilba's smile turned into one that was sickly sweet as she turned to face the brother of her closest friend.

"Brortru, how kind your words are," Yilba purred, extending her hand. Brortru took her hand and kissed the back.

"Only the truth, my lady," Brortru replied as his sister and Yilba greeted each other.

"Tolme, is that Bikli?" Yilba asked, eyeing the green gown. The bodice was pure, ribbed fabric while the skirt was full of feathers.

"Father had it specially made it for me," Tolme replied as she took in Yilba's dress. It was a blood red color with small rubies crusted over the bodice. The skirt was layered embroidery and even more rubies. "Red looks beautiful on you."

Yilba smirked. She had chosen red for a reason. The main being that it was the color of the dragon that the Rider owned. It was her plan to lure him to her.

"You're such a darling," Yilba replied as the two linked arms. "Shall we?"

"I heard that we will finally get to see the elusive Dragon Rider tonight," Tolme said airily.

"Don't tell me you are just as enamored as the others?" Yilba question, curling her lip. Tolme clicked her tongue.

"I have more dignity than these harlots," Tolme replied as the King strode into the ballroom. He clapped his hands, and the lights dimmed so. Only the ones near the throne shone brightly.